So, today I had my first round of Botox for my migraines. My neurologist is very optimistic about it, more than I am actually. Not that I think it won't help, I do. It's just that there's a lot of mixed reports out there. Clearly it helps enough that most insurance covers it, and folks are willing to have someone shoot them up with botulism toxin 31 times every few months.
In my case, I have several conditions that can be treated with the Botox injections. I'm not sure what the protocol is for everything else, but the benefit of having the 31 sites done is that it covers the other areas too. It's possible that those conditions are contributing to the migraines. So, here's what else I have going on that will hopefully improve with the injections: Dystonia, TMJ, and some mysterious eyeball stabbing that is constant and only occurs on the right side (my eye doc thinks it's an atypical type of the dreaded trigeminal neuralgia). I decided to give the Botox a go even though there's mixed results for migraine improvement. SOMETHING will get better, if not the migraines.
I'll talk more about the other stuff in a separate post, but I'd like to describe my experience from today.
I tend to be apprehensive when it comes to trying any new medication. I've had some pretty bad experiences in the past. That wasn't the case today- this was a last resort for me as far as treatment goes and is something that was thoroughly discussed with my other doctors. Any questions I had were answered and I felt like I had a good understanding of the risks and benefits. I wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page and that we were prepared in case I had any sort of reaction. It also helps that I'm not afraid of needles*! I was concerned about ice packs, but I'll get to that.
So, I had to sign some consent forms before the Botox. They were read to me by one of the assistants and she answered my questions about the paperwork. It basically said that I was giving consent for the injections, I understood the risks, and that if anything wacky happens I wouldn't hold them responsible. They wrote down the lot number from the vial, and I signed. Then, she offered me an ice pack, which confused the heck out of me. So, she left shaking her head and offered to run it by the doctor. That sounded fine by me, so I waited for Dr.New-Neuro to come in and get started.
Dr.New-Neuro: 'So, this is the first time you're getting the Botox, right?'
Me: 'Yes.'
Dr.New-Neuro: 'Ok. Umm, did you want an ice pack?'
Me: 'I don't do well with ice, it makes the dystonia worse. Why exactly would I need one anyway?'
Dr.New-Neuro: 'Yeah, it's probably not a good idea then. It's mostly just for pain.'
Me: 'Ah...umm, how bad is it?'
Dr.New-Neuro: 'I try to go quick so there's not a lot of time for it to register.'
Me: 'How long does it take?'
Dr.New-Neuro: 'Well, it is 31 injections. But mixing it is what takes the longest. The injections take about ten minutes if you don't push me away kicking and screaming.'
Me: (slightly apprehensive) 'I'm thinking it won't be all that bad, I have a fairly high tolerance for pain and I'm pretty chill.'
So, sans ice pack, she had me hop on the exam table and lay on my back. I got rid of as many things that were on my person as was socially acceptable-- shoes, socks, hearing aid, fuzzy, etc. The fewer things I have on, the more relaxed I'll be. Sensory issues suck.
She started the injections across the forehead, and it was not deal at all! I was more uncomfortable from the pants I had on. She did work fast, but was very attentive to where my problem areas were--
particularly around my jaw joints, right eye, and the part of my neck where the dystonia is bad. Then
she checked the sites and that was it. It was actually under ten minutes, since I didn't move/scream/freak out. I didn't even bleed after-- apparently I'm among her better patients.
We went over a few unrelated things and then I was off, with a few alcohol pads just incase I oozed on the way home. So, far so good! I'll post more periodically and update when I see her next month.
*I do however, have a phobia of iv units
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